Sports platform SportsBaazi restricted in the region of Chhattisgarh due to regulatory restrictions.
** updated and reorganized article **
Tech Update: SportsBaazi's Legal Struggle in Chhattisgarh
WhatsAppFacebookTelegramX 🗣️ May 19, 2025 🗓️
The popular fantasy sports app, SportsBaazi, has faced a setback in India's state of Chhattisgarh. Despite being geo-blocked in the state, it maintains its operations elsewhere. This predicament stems from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against illegal betting apps in the country.
On May 5th, the Court ordered the blocking of several websites, including SportsBaazi, under section 79(3) of the IT Act. The PIL claimed these websites were engaging in online gambling. However, the Court noted a crucial distinction between "Games of Skill" and "Games of Chance."
A Battle of Jurisdiction
The Court observed that games of skill fall under the Union List, while gambling is governed by the State List. Given this, the State of Chhattisgarh lacked jurisdiction to impose restrictions beyond its territory.
Judge Amitendra Kishore Prasad ruled that the blocking order exceeded the State's jurisdiction. Both platforms were directed to geo-block their apps and websites only within Chhattisgarh until further orders. The petitioners were permitted to continue their operations across the rest of India.
The Challenge for Real-Money Gaming
India's real-money gaming and poker apps continue to face hurdles. The imposed 28% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on the entire deposit is currently under scrutiny in the Supreme Court. In 2023, many real-money gaming apps shut down due to this notice. Even in 2025, Pocket52 has temporarily halted its operations.
The Rise of Poker in India
Despite these challenges, poker is gaining traction in India. Platforms like JioHotstar have broadcast national poker tournaments like the National Poker Championship and the Founders Poker Series. The Poker Sports League, another popular live poker series, was also streamed on JioHotstar.
Stay Informed
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Sources:
- [1] Live Law (2025) "SportsBaazi Gets Relief From Chhattisgarh HC, Allows Operation Outside State," https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/sportsbaazi-gets-relief-from-chhattisgarh-hc-many-online-gaming-websites-not-legal-entertainment-sites-182876
- [2] Business Standard (2025) "Chhattisgarh High Court Allows SportsBaazi to Operate Nationwide, 'Gio Block' Remains Within State," https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/chhattisgarh-hc-allows-sportsbaazi-to-operate-nationwide-gio-block-remains-within-state-121053000895_1.html
- [3] The Hindu (2025) "In Chhattisgarh High Court, SportsBaazi Battle Over Legal Rights Set for August Hearing," https://www.thehindu.com/business/Entertainment/in-chhattisgarh-high-court-sportsbaazi-battle-over-legal-rights-set-for-august-hearing/article66081032.ece
- [4] Financial Express (2025) "Chhattisgarh HC Orders SportsBaazi to Geo-Block Within State, Allows Operations Continue Across India," https://www.financialexpress.com/technology/chhattisgarh-hc-orders-sportsbaazi-to-geo-block-within-state-allows-operations-continue-across-india/2588866/
- [5] ULEARN (2021) "Why Is SportsBaazi Not Available in These States?" https://learn.sportsbaazi.com/help-articles/payments/why-is-sportsbaazi-not-available-in-these-states
Roy D'Silva 👨💻A versatile journalist with a decade of experience, Roy covers a broad spectrum, including Bollywood, OTT, and now poker. His passion for cycling and documentaries drives his quest to be at the forefront of the next big poker story.
SportsBaazi 🎲Offering a range of fantasy games, SportsBaazi is a popular platform favored by many. Stay tuned for the latest SportsBaazi updates and more news!
- Despite the legal struggle in Chhattisgarh, SportsBaazi's fantasy sports platform, which includes football and other sports, continues to operate nationwide, following a ruling by the Chhattisgarh High Court that allows the app to geo-block only within the state.
- Amidst the ongoing debate about the legality of online gambling apps, SportsBaazi, offering fantasy sports and sports betting, is gaining traction in India, especially with the rise of poker, as seen in national tournaments broadcasted on platforms like JioHotstar.
